By Alex Boggis, UT Martin Assistant Sports Information Director
BROOKINGS, SD – Hampered by injuries and illness, the University of Tennessee at Martin women’s basketball team matched up against one of the nation’s top mid-major programs without two starters and a limited bench before ultimately dropping the road decision to South Dakota State by a final score of 75-36.
The Skyhawks (3-6) struggled to find any rhythm on the offensive side of the ball while the Jackrabbits sank their field goal attempts at a high clip. UT Martin was limited to just 29.8 percent from the field while SDSU found its stride by knocking down 56.5 percent of its attempts in the squad’s friendly confines.
Playing without two of the team’s starters since the squad’s big win over Vanderbilt, UT Martin never found its groove with the augmented lineup. The Skyhawks committed 18 turnovers which led directly to 20 points for the Jackrabbits while making just 14-of-47 field goal attempts. With just 36 total points, the Skyhawks were held to a season low in scoring, field goal percentage and free throw percentage (42.9 percent).
South Dakota State (7-4) lived up to its billing as one of the nation’s best teams after entering the game receiving votes in the national polls. The Jackrabbits were highly efficient from the floor by shooting over 50 percent while knocking down 10 three-pointers and commanding both the boards and the paint.
SDSU placed three players in double figures in the victory, led by 14 points from Madysen Vlastuin off the bench. Myah Selland (11 points) and Paiton Burckhard (10 points) also scored in double figures while combining for 11 rebounds.
UT Martin will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 14 when squaring off against 2022 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 participant South Dakota. Tipoff from the Sanford Coyote Sports Center is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information